The No Film School Podcast

With the WGA being on its third week of strike, we can’t help but start to think about all the ways the industry is changing and what that looks like for us filmmakers. Will Hollywood still seek out our creative ideas, or will we be pushed to only making IP projects in order to market an existing idea? And how does this all affect brand new filmmakers who are struggling just to get their short films accepted into labs? In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss:  Making the most out of a difficult situation, with fun events for those on strike Keeping an eye out on the bargaining dates for DGA and SAG A story about a development executive who was willing to support GG’s stance on the WGA strike What bums us out about IP and the future of the industry Figuring out which IP’s you would like to make your own What labs are actually looking for when you apply   How to know when your projects are ready for labs and festivals The benefits to developing projects in a group  Building on yourself so you can keep getting better Memorable Quotes “Get out there and picket, because your future in Hollywood is dependent on it. Whether you are in the WGA or not.” [6:29] “I try to write things that I know I could potentially make.” [20:39] “If the story stands out…people will look past things that require budgets.” [36:28] “If your mom loves it, ask someone else.” [42:43] Resources:Why Is Hollywood Leaving Tarantino Behind?Which Paid Service Gives the Best Script Coverage? We Tested Three Popular OptionsFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laurel Parmet is a director and writer who has been nominated and awarded for her shorts, Kira Burning and Spring. Kara Durrett is a producer who works in both independent film and television, producing films such as Save Yourselves! and Topside. We were honored to speak to both of them about their recent film, The Starling Girl, which made its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins, director Laurel Parmet, and producer Kara Durrett discuss: The surreal, emotional feeling of premiering at Sundance What the film, The Starling Girl, is about Why Laurel believes going to film school was invaluable for her Getting fully financed and then losing it all when the pandemic started Pitching a film - how to do it and why it’s so amazing What the remote editing experience was like Plotting out each scene to encourage certain audience emotions Feeling fortunate from the positive response after premiering at Sundance The process of bringing a film to the screen How to maintain stamina on projects that take years to make What you need to do before deciding to become a producer Memorable Quotes “Eventually it all fell apart and we didn’t know how we were going to make the film, and it was pretty dark for me.” [19:33] “Everytime you pitch, you are honing in on what is the most important part of the story.” [24:46] “Make sure you realize you are running a marathon, not a sprint, because it’s a long road.” [34:38] “Pick the people you adore and then make something together.” [55:07] Mentioned Resources:The Starling GirlFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Writer’s Guild of America went on strike on May 2, 2023. The strike is more than just writers putting down their pens and picking up their picket signs, to fight for their rights. This strike also symbolizes “the beginning of a bigger conversation about morality and labor practices” throughout corporate America. In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss:  Recent interactions with union members out on the picket lines Phil Rosenthal’s history with the WGA What screenwriting is now compared to what it used to be How detrimental the mini-rooms are Studios using loopholes to get out of paying rates they already agreed to Hollywood CEOs making millions every year while others are getting laid off  Feeling encouraged by the solidarity between all the unions in the industry Not submitting to the Sundance labs in order to support WGA How the WGA strike is impacting more than just the television and film industry Memorable Quotes “I think it’s a little sad that I’ve worked on four shows, but have no production experience.” [2:14] “You gotta strike when things are unfair. No matter what your job is.” [4:11] “It’s not even a show business problem, it’s a corporate America problem.” [6:22] “United we bargain. Divided we beg.” [19:50] “Fifty grand is not enough to live in Los Angeles. It just isn’t.” [28:04] Resources:Phil Rosenthal’s websiteHistory of American Screenwriters and Their GuildPreWGA Solidarity on SubstackHollywood CEO Collect Billions…Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traci Hays is a DGA Award-nominated director, a production designer, and art director who has received numerous awards for the various shorts she has directed. Her feature directorial debut, Tangled, was named a “must-see movie” by The Hollywood Reporter. She recently directed Blood, Sweat and Cheer, her second feature, which is a dark love letter to Heathers, Mean Girls, The Breakfast Club, and Clueless.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director Traci Hays, discuss: Traci’s dream of becoming a pro soccer player before becoming a director Being rejected to film school  Meeting incredible collaborators and established mentors in the industry All the lessons Traci learned as a production designer Adapting a book to a film for the movie, Tangled How a soccer team connection led to a directing opportunity Being surprised by the very thoughtful and meaningful notes from the producers  Filming Blood, Sweat and Cheer in only 13 days Casting actors that were serious about the dance scenes Memorable Quotes “Having that background as a director feels like a superpower.” [12:29] “To be in the middle of it, the middle of the chaos, is sort of where I thrive.” [14:15] “On a lower budget fast moving train, what will kill your day more than anything else is company moves.” [33:15] “I even tried to learn the dance and let me tell you, I did not get very far.” [40:39] Mentioned Resources:TangledBlood, Sweat and CheerTraci’s websiteFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are the best movie stars only the older ones? What’s the difference between celebrities of the past compared to today’s stars? What are some effective strategies you can use to navigate a troubled production?In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, Jason Hellerman, GG Hawkins, and Yaro Altunin discuss:  Flaws from NRG’s recent study on who the biggest movie stars are Getting fatigued from frequently released franchise movies  Why direct access to newer movie stars makes them more relatable and less mysterious The old ‘four quadrant’ movie model Micro-targeting different types of audiences Why Heaven’s Gate is not a horrible movie  Reasons to hire slowly and fire quickly Figuring out how your team prefers to receive feedback Sharing takeaways from a successful short film production Being the ‘glue guy’ who rallies everyone together  Memorable Quotes “Some people are famous enough to be known even in the Amazon rainforest.” [12:30] “The demographics of the world are so much more complicated.” [23:23] “No matter how you problem-solve on projects big or small, you have to keep morale up.” [30:59] “Most troubled productions are personality conflicts.” [33:15] Mentioned Resources:Are Old Movie Stars the Only Actors that Matter?Heaven’s GateFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Fremon Craig is a writer and director who has earned awards and nominations for her first feature, The Edge of Seventeen. Her second feature, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, is based on the very famous Judy Blume novel of the same name. A main theme of this film is what it’s like to undergo the complicated process of puberty, which is ironically similar to Craig’s experience with the screenwriting process. In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director Kelly Fremon Craig, discuss: How this film brought a sense of relief from embarrassment  Why the worst place to create from is a place of self-consciousness Accepting the complicated emotions that arise during the writing process Trying to render the truth of an experience  Letting kid actors give their authentic reactions on camera Giving actors the freedom to play and create on set How she decided to shoot a very specific scene in the film Figuring out how to shoot more intimate moments without crossing the line Why directors need to get different versions of a shot Watching all the different takes and pulling out the nuggets What Kelly hopes this film will inspire viewers to do Memorable Quotes “I felt such a crushing pressure not to screw it up.” [5:44] “I love creating a set, an atmosphere on set, where everybody feels safe to try even their wildest ideas.” [16:54] “I like that ‘fly on the wall’ style of shooting where you feel like you’re eavesdropping.” [24:12] “Every single different version is a different tool in your toolbelt.” [26:54] “It’s treasure hunting on set. You’re just looking for little diamonds.” [29:04] Mentioned Resources:Are You There God? It’s Me, MargaretThe Edge of SeventeenFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can a truly independent film find success at the large film festivals? How does one manage to get well-known actors to star in your film? The answer is simple, yet takes effort. You need to get in the mix!In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine and GG Hawkins discuss:  The truth about getting an indie feature made Golden elevator films versus free-range films Big actors starring in small, independent films Hustling your network and constantly building connections Thinking strategically about certain relationships you have in the industry Learning how to accept “no” and still maintain a professional relationship  Steps an emerging producer should follow to grow their career Rolling Calls - what are they? Memorable Quotes “Everybody that gets into Sundance knows each other.” [4:27] “There are a lot of people who want to appear to be a filmmaker.” [26:06] “I hate to say it, but it depends upon how big your bank account is.”[27:20] “Rolling calls is an art and a science.” [35:33] Mentioned Resources:Mynette Louie on MastodonFilmmaker Magazine articleEpisode with Matt SmucklerHow to Get a World-Famous Actor in your Short FilmSKYWATCH (a Sci-Fi Short Film)Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Williams is a producer, director, and writer who has worked on popular TV shows such as Lost, Undercovers, and Watchmen. He recently directed, Chevalier, a film based on the true story of one of France’s most important composers. Chevalier is about the journey of understanding oneself better, through the trials and tribulations that life sends one’s way.In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director Stephen Williams, discuss: Growing up in Jamaica and skipping class to go to the movie theater Starting as a PA in a production house in Toronto, Canada  Moving to Hawaii to produce and direct episodes of Lost  Comparing the role of producer to the role of director A scene in Chevalier, that was like a rap battle, but with violins Selecting collaborators behind the camera with the same care you cast the performers An example of how his collaborators saved him from making a mistake Thinking about the impact his career has on his family How to tell a narrative story about a real person Identifying and connecting to the journey of the main character You can watch Chevalier in theaters on April 21, 2023.Memorable Quotes “Literally on a Friday I was pushing a broom as a PA, and on a Monday, I was a director at this company.” [9:00] “I just didn’t find anything that really warranted me stopping what I was doing, until I read Chevalier.” [19:25] “I want everyone to feel free…completely free to bring all of themselves to the table.” [28:18] “My working life is really important to me, but it pales in comparison to my family life.” [34:52] “Not everything has to be factually true…It just has to be essentially true.” [42:44] Mentioned Resources:Chevalier trailerMore of Stephen’s workFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Day 2 of NAB 2023, and Tech Editor Yaroslav Altunin and NAB host Raafi Rivero sit down to share more details about the conference. Joining the episode are special guests, Haeleigh Royall and Indeana Underhill of Cinematography for Actors, and producer Ian McClellan of Coco Butter Family. We all agree the one word that comes to mind when describing NAB 2023 is “innovation.”In today’s episode, we discuss:  Recognizing the need for imagination with the rise of virtual production  Seeing NAB from the perspective of a newbie Speaking to Stefan Karle from DoPchoice about their accessible gear How OWC is accommodating workflow solutions Being impressed by Sennheiser’s wireless microphone Meeting the CEO of the companies that you love at NAB The issues we had filming NAB on Day 1 Collaborating with people that aren’t in your same physical location Filmic’s 106 bit color reader Lexar’s amazing new memory card The benefits to automatic transcription now offered by Adobe Premiere Pro Being inspired by every booth we visited  Memorable Quotes “For virtual production, you have to be even more imaginative. You have to be able to sink yourself deeper into a world.” [9:31] “The cloud is so integrated into these products…before it was kind of a whisper and now it’s more of a shout.” [11:26] “Green screen doesn’t exist anymore. It doesn’t have to.” [15:53] “They could start editing a clip that you’re not done shooting, and they can be in different parts of the world.” [38:32] “Everyone is innovating in their direction of interest, and there’s still infinite potential.” [45:23] Mentioned Resources:LexarDoP ChoiceOWCSennheiserLemo ConnectorsFilmicLexar’s Professional CFexpress Type B Card GOLD SeriesAdobe Premiere ProPixotopeNo Film School Coverage of NAB 2023Connect With the Guests & Hosts:Cinematography for ActorsCoco Butter FamilyIan’s InstagramYaro’s InstagramRaafi’s InstagramFind No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech Editor Yaroslav Altunin and NAB host Raafi Rivero sit down to discuss Day 1 of NAB 2023. So what does the most prominent tech trade show have to offer this year? How about some of the hottest pieces of kit? The duo also chat about Blackmagic Design CEO Granty Petty, filming on Fujifilm cameras with Frame.io, and what makes the community of this trade show such an essential part of the broadcast and cinematic medium.In today’s episode, we discuss:  The incredibly intense and exciting experience of going to NAB The history of NAB and who the conference is for A truly innovative product Creamsource developed themselves  Camcorders - would we ever use one again Being confused by some of Canon’s newest lenses How cine zooms are catching up to prime lenses Unique ways people have been using Fuji’s Cine Box Lens New features being added to Davinci Resolve studio post production software Black Magic Design - They are building both products and a community  Applying cloud-based technologies to shows like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Tools that get out of your way and help you be a better creative Memorable Quotes “This is a mirrorless camera I can throw in my backpack.” [10:28] “Am I crazy or is it the same lens just on opposite ends of the spectrum?” [14:25] “Get a 12K…It’s a dope camera. Go get one right now.” [33:08] “The cloud is matter of fact. The cloud is the state of the art.” [40:31] “A needle in the haystack problem has been solved by A.I.” [46:59] Mentioned Resources:DaVinci ResolveLexarMore on the Fujifilm Cine Box Lens Creamsource LNXNo Film School Coverage of NAB 2023Find No Film School everywhere:On the Webhttps://nofilmschool.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschoolTwitter https://twitter.com/nofilmschoolYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschoolInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nofilmschoolSend us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices